Future-oriented Statement of Operations 2017–18 (unaudited)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this Future-Oriented Statement of Operations.

Notes to the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations

1. Methodology and significant assumptions

The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared on the basis of government priorities and departmental plans as described in the Departmental Plan.

The information in the forecast results for fiscal year 2016-17 is based on actual results as at January 13, 2017 and on forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year. Forecasts have been made for the planned results for fiscal year 2017-18.

The main assumptions underlying the forecasts are as follows:

• The TSB's activities will remain substantially the same as in the previous year. In particular, there will be no major occurrences for which the TSB will need to seek additional vote funding in order to fulfill its mandate.
• Expenses and revenues, including the determination of amounts internal and external to the government, are based on past experience. The general historical pattern is expected to continue.
• The estimated expense relating to three years of retroactive payments for expired collective agreements has been included in part in 2016-17 forecasted results, with the remainder in 2017-18 planned results.

These assumptions are made as at January 13, 2017.

2. Variations and changes to the forecast financial information

Although every attempt has been made to accurately forecast final results for the remainder of 2016-17 and 2017-18, actual results achieved for both years are likely to vary from the forecast information presented, and this variation could be material. 

In preparing this Future-Oriented Statement of Operations, the TSB has made estimates and assumptions about the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and assumptions are based on past experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are continually evaluated.

Factors that could lead to material differences between the Future‑Oriented Statement of Operations and the historical statement of operations include:

• the timing and the amount of acquisitions and disposals of property, plant and equipment, which may affect gains, losses and amortization expense;
• the implementation of new collective agreements; and
• other changes to the operating budget, such as new initiatives or technical adjustments in either fiscal year or significant transportation occurrences.

After the Departmental Plan is tabled in Parliament, the TSB will not be updating the forecasts for any changes in financial resources made in ensuing supplementary estimates. Variances will be explained in the Departmental Results Report.

3. Summary of significant accounting policies

The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared using Government's accounting policies in effect for fiscal year 2016-17, and is based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

(a) Expenses

The TSB records expenses on an accrual basis.

Expenses for the TSB's operations are recorded when goods are received or services are rendered including services provided without charge for accommodation, employee contributions to health and dental insurance plans and worker's compensation which are recorded as expenses at their estimated cost. Vacation pay and compensatory leave as well as severance benefits are accrued and expenses are recorded as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.

Expenses also include amortization of tangible capital assets which are capitalized at their acquisition cost. Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

(b) Revenues

Revenues are accounted for in the period in which the underlying transaction or event occurred that gave rise to the revenue takes place.

4. Parliamentary authorities

The TSB is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the TSB differs from financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles because authorities are based mainly on cash flow requirements. Items recognized in the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the TSB has different net cost of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:

Authorities presented reflect current forecasts of statutory items, approved initiatives included and expected to be included in Estimates documents and, when reasonable estimates can be made, estimates of amounts to be allocated from Treasury Board Central votes.